Giovan Lane had to get comfortable standing out. As the first scientist in her family, she often found herself the only woman of color on her team, in her department, even in her business unit. But she’s determined to change the path forward for those who come after her.
In Philadelphia I attended an all-Black high school, it was the first time I felt included in the academic process. I saw people who looked like me, who didn’t have to hide or assimilate. I had teachers who could relate to me. I’d always loved learning but this environment felt amazing.”
Her story begins in a small New Jersey town where Lane was one of two Black students at her elementary school. When her family moved to Pennsylvania, the culture shock was life-changing. Eager to extend that experience, Lane attended Virginia State University, a historically Black college.
“Academically and socially, I felt supported,” remembers Lane. “We were all focused on our education, on succeeding. I remember thinking, this is what community feels like.”
Following her graduation, Lane began building a career in research. After positions in academia, biotech and pharmaceuticals, she joined GSK as a senior scientist in bio-analytical science. "It was fun, rewarding work,” recalls Lane. “It’s like cooking. You follow a recipe to try to get the expected outcome. But cells are living things with their own little personalities. They don’t always behave as expected. You have to be patient, run tests and produce results that advance the science.” In the lab, Lane thrived. Outside of the lab, she quickly became involved in developing others.
One area Lane focused on was the next generation of scientists. She organized an externship program with Pennsylvania State University. The program introduced nearly two dozen students to GSK’s research and development facility. The comprehensive two-day visit revealed all stages of the pharmaceutical industry from development to late-stage research to delivery of medicines to patients.
“One student contacted me a couple of years after she attended the program,” reflects Lane. “She thanked me for showing her different paths so she could define and choose her career. That’s exactly what we want to see. It’s about making an impact on students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.” Participating in one of GSK’s 12 Employee Resource Groups whetted her appetite and spurred a transition to Human Resources.
“In all of my scientific roles, I was often the only woman of color in the room,” said Lane. “I realized I could change the equation. I could help support others and create an environment where we felt included. If you’ve never been on the outside looking in, you may not know just how important this is.”
This commitment led Lane to a position with GSK’s Global Research and Development Talent and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team. She immediately set to work. Lane enhanced the popular Diverse Reverse Mentoring program by automating and streamlining the process. She created the Inclusive Leaders Roundtable which focused on business-critical issues such as attrition and retention.
Now in her 15th year with GSK, Lane supports a team of Inclusion Champions – 350 strong around the globe. This group delivers on the DEI strategy by leveraging their skills, expertise and energy. She expects to grow this number next year as she identifies more areas where new members can help support and advocate.
She is chairperson of the inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Expert Panel for US Pharmacopeia (USP). A non-profit organizing body that works with over 450 global members across healthcare and science, USP sets standards for various industries including medical and food products.
“Our 14-member expert panel serves as DEIB ambassadors to USP’s six collaborative groups and 26 subcommittees. We help drive conversations and spark discussions through a different lens.”
History has shown us that there can be bias in science. Lane’s team plans to continue honoring the science that brought them together while challenging the curiosity that advances innovation. In their first year, the panel is devoted to building the foundation to fully deliver their charge - strengthen the integration of USP’s DEIB strategy into the standard-setting process.
“I see our work as creating ripples in the water,” said Lane. “Each ripple represents a connection point to different people, communities and industries. Together they form a wave of change. As we add more people and launch bigger efforts, the waves grow in strength and reach. That’s how we sustain our progress. I can’t wait until next year!”
If you want to join USP’s scientific volunteer effort, follow this link. You can also scroll down to hear more from Lane in a video on USP’s website.
